If you’ve been craving that perfect sweet treat but want to keep it a bit lighter and fuss-free, you’re going to love this Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe. These donuts come out soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh blueberry and lemon flavors — all without the hassle of yeast or deep frying. I absolutely love how easy it is to whip these up at home, and once you try them, I have a feeling they’ll become a new favorite for your weekend breakfast or snack time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can have a batch of fresh donuts ready in just about 20 minutes—no waiting for yeast to rise.
- Healthier Treat: Air frying means less oil, so these donuts are lighter but still deliciously moist and tender.
- Bursting with Flavor: Fresh blueberries and zesty lemon make every bite pop with vibrant tastes that feel like summer.
- Perfect for Beginners: If you’re new to air frying or donut making, I promise this recipe is super forgiving and fun!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe is in the simple ingredients that come together beautifully. I always pick fresh or frozen blueberries depending on the season, and the lemon juice and zest give the donuts a refreshing zing that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Self Raising Flour: This saves you a step because it already contains baking powder, making the donuts light and fluffy.
- Yogurt: For moisture and tenderness, yogurt adds the perfect tang that complements the blueberries.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness, both in the dough and the blueberry glaze on top.
- Kosher Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors without making the donuts salty.
- Baking Powder: Even though self-raising flour has some, an extra dash gives these donuts a great rise.
- Unsalted Butter: For richness and a lovely golden finish when brushed on before air frying.
- Blueberries: Fresh or frozen both work beautifully; just be gentle so they don’t break up too much when mixing.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: These add that bright, fresh note that wakes up the whole recipe.
- Heavy Cream: Used in the blueberry glaze for decadence and smooth texture.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own depending on who I’m serving it to. Feel free to adjust it based on what you have or your taste preferences — this Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe is super flexible.
- Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend once and got surprisingly great results — just check your blend includes baking powder.
- Vegan Twist: Substituting yogurt with coconut yogurt and butter with a plant-based alternative worked well when I made these for a vegan friend.
- Different Fruit Mix-Ins: Instead of blueberries, I’ve tried raspberries or chopped strawberries for a fun flavor twist.
- Spiced Donuts: Adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough gives a warm spice note perfect for fall mornings.
How to Make Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients and Add the Blueberries
Start by combining the self-raising flour, baking powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a big mixing bowl. Then, gently fold in the blueberries little by little. I like to use fresh blueberries when possible, but frozen work great too — just thaw and drain first so your dough isn’t too soggy. Be gentle here; you want those blueberries to stay mostly whole for bursts of flavor.
Step 2: Form the Donut Shapes
This part is fun and kinda therapeutic — scoop about a tablespoon of dough, roll it into a little lengthwise log, and then carefully join the ends to make a little ring, like a donut shape. You can also roll the dough flat, about an inch thick, and use a donut cutter or two cookie cutters (a big one and a small one) to cut out perfect rings. I’ve done both, and honestly, the hand-shaped donuts have a homey charm I find irresistible.
Step 3: Air Fry with Butter Brush
Place your donut rings in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Brush the tops with melted unsalted butter for that beautiful golden finish and extra flavor. I set my air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook them for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and springy to the touch—no doughy spots left!
Step 4: Prepare the Blueberry Glaze
While the donuts are cooking, mix granulated sugar, fresh blueberries, and heavy cream in a bowl. If you’re using fresh blueberries, pop them into a food processor or blender along with the sugar and cream to make a smooth glaze. When the donuts are out and slightly cooled, drizzle this gorgeous blueberry glaze over the top — it’s pure magic!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle some freshly grated lemon zest over the glazed donuts for that extra punch of bright citrus and serve immediately. Trust me, your family and friends will be reaching for seconds before you can even set the plate down.
Pro Tips for Making Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the batter can make the donuts dense, so fold in the blueberries gently and just until incorporated.
- Space Donuts Properly: Give each donut enough room in the air fryer so they cook evenly without sticking together.
- Butter Brush for Crispiness: Brushing butter on top before air frying creates a lovely golden crust and richer flavor.
- Glaze While Warm: Glazing the donuts shortly after cooking helps the blueberry glaze stick better and soak in a little.
How to Serve Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with the classic lemon zest sprinkled on top — it adds a fresh zing that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar if I want a more traditional look, or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate for a special occasion. I personally love the contrast between the blueberry glaze and the bright lemon zest; it’s such a winner.
Side Dishes
These donuts pair wonderfully with a side of Greek yogurt topped with honey and extra berries. For drinks, I prefer a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a tangy iced tea to complement the fruity flavors. They’re also fantastic alongside a fresh fruit salad for a complete brunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I set up a little DIY donut bar for a brunch with friends, and these blueberry donuts were the star. I placed them on a tiered stand, alongside small bowls of extra glaze, whipped cream, and fresh lemon slices so everyone could customize their own. It makes for a fun, interactive way to enjoy dessert (or breakfast!).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which can happen if you make a big batch!), store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I found they stay nice and soft, especially if you add a little parchment paper between layers to keep the glaze from sticking.
Freezing
For longer storage, I freeze the air-fried donut rings without glaze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When ready, I thaw them at room temp and add the blueberry glaze fresh before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the donuts back into the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 2-3 minutes until warmed through — this way, you get that freshly baked feel again without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as that can make the texture a bit rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen blueberries in this Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work just fine. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much extra moisture to the dough. Gently fold them in so they don’t break apart too much.
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Do I need a special donut cutter to shape the donuts?
Nope! You can shape the dough by hand as rings or use cookie cutters if you have them. The hand-shaped version has a fun rustic appeal, and the cookie cutters help make even, uniform donuts.
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What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these donuts instead?
You can bake them! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the shaped donuts on a parchment-lined sheet for 10-12 minutes or until golden and cooked through. The texture might be a little different but still delicious.
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How do I make the blueberry glaze thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of heavy cream or simmer the blended mixture briefly to thicken it. For a thinner glaze, add a splash more cream or a little water until you reach the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the go-to when I want a homemade treat without the extra work. It’s super quick, lightly sweet, and feels so fresh with the lemon and blueberries. I love seeing my family’s faces light up with each bite—it’s proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. Give it a try and I bet you’ll be hooked, just like me!
Print
Blueberry Donuts in Air Fryer Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 Donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy soft, fluffy, and healthy Blueberry Donuts made effortlessly in an air fryer. These yeast-free donuts burst with fresh blueberry and zesty lemon flavors, offering a delicious treat that’s both quick to make and lighter than traditional fried donuts.
Ingredients
Donut Dough
- 2 cups Self Raising Flour
- ½ tsp Baking Powder
- ½ tsp Kosher Salt
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 cup Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for brushing)
- ½ cup Yogurt
Blueberry Glaze
- 1 cup Blueberries
- ½ cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tbsp Heavy Cream
- 1 tbsp Lemon Zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Donut Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine self-raising flour, baking powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir these dry ingredients together, then gradually mix in the yogurt to form a soft dough. Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to crush them.
- Shape the Donuts: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms, elongating it lengthwise. Join the ends to create a ring-shaped donut. Alternatively, roll the dough to about 1-inch thickness and use a donut cutter or two cookie cutters of different sizes (one large and one small) to cut out the donuts.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Place the shaped donuts into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Brush the tops of the donuts with melted unsalted butter. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for 10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Blueberry Glaze: In a bowl, combine sugar, blueberries, and heavy cream. If using fresh blueberries, blend the mixture in a food processor until smooth to create a glaze. For frozen blueberries, thaw slightly before blending or mash them evenly with sugar and cream for a chunky glaze.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once the donuts have cooled slightly, drizzle or brush the blueberry glaze over them. Garnish with fresh lemon zest for added brightness and serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- These air fryer blueberry donuts are yeast-free, resulting in a quicker preparation time compared to traditional yeast donuts.
- Using fresh or frozen blueberries works well, but fresh blueberries yield the best flavor in both dough and glaze.
- Be gentle when folding in blueberries to prevent the dough from becoming too wet or blue-streaked.
- Donuts are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made for optimal softness and flavor.
- The glaze can be adjusted for sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Donut
- Calories: 117 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
